I got to thinking how many boys have autism and I realized that I don't believe I've come across anybody that has a girl. Is there anybody out there? Boys are different from girls so naturally autism doesn't change that. Would love to hear from somebody that has a daughter with autism.
My son attends a charter school specifically for autistic children. Over the past four years, he has made enormous progress. Princeton House does an annual fund raiser (Silent Auction) to raise the money necessary to provide the therapies the school system does not afford. I just recieved this notice on the school's newsletter: Believe Silent Auction Items We have received only 17 silent auction items. We typically have 200 items for the fundraiser. If you have an item, please fill out the green form and turn it in with the item as soon as possible. (go to link) http://www.princeton-house.org/Newsletters/News2008-01-29.htm I have the request letters and the tax forms necessary to write it off as a donation. Can anyone help? Or know a business that can donate? Please email me at debra.donatto@gmail.com Thank you, Debra Halyn's Mom
Posted By : Halynsmom on 29th Jan 2008
My reply to blog: My reply to blog http://www.foggyrock.com/Blog/ViewAllBlogReplies/65 was not working so I entered it in this blog I totally respect your opinion & I actually want to believe that it is not the vaccinations. However, I do believe in a principal known as Occam's Razor. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occam's_Razor. All I know is that Liv had a huge regression transformed to a whole different little girl between 4 & 10 days post vaccination. If, she had hit her head & then developed motor skills issue a couple of days later, I could very easily deduce that with a very high probability that it had something to do with her hitting her head. My thought is that there is NOT enough energy, research, & testing done to INSURE that our children's' vaccinations are safe for them. Especially, since the cocktail of vaccinations is ever increasing. My commonsense says at very least the vaccination schedule needs to be revisited. I myself would not want to inject myself with 25+ vaccinations within a year & I am a full grown matured male. Why would I want to do that to my daughter. Just the other week my friend took his son to the ped. due to a very bad ear infection. His son was on the second round of antibiotics trying to fight the infection. At that visit to secure another antibiotic the ped. was insistent in giving a routine vaccination as it was time via the child's traditional vaccine schedule. So, with a terrible infection, the child's immune system compromised, & on antibiotics the child received a vaccination. Is that commonsense? This is just an example used to make a point. Are we really using commonsense & rather than looking at a schedule is it time to vaccinate a child. Every child is different that is a fact. Some children are at a higher risk, different, etc. But, peds. don't even seem to be open to that fact. When I grew up in the 70's & 80's my own ped. as a child did not believe in a lot of standard vaccinations. And, many vaccinations he felt where too risky to expose children to. One of those he was most concerned abbot was the MMR vaccine. None of his patience received them under his care. And, the vaccinations he thought that where worth the risk he was very careful in scheduling those at the indiv. level. He was very active & tenacious in his belief in the ped. community. He was a rebel & a man ahead of his time. He maintained his position until the end of his career in the 2000's. If my research is correct the MMR vaccine has not changed very much between the 70-80's & now. Furthermore, my daughter & family are involved in research efforts from very accredited institutions investigating the vaccination linkage. Just that to me implies that there MAY be a concern Really, I do not know the answer but, I don't think anybody else does. But, my commonsense & instincts tell me that there is a link that increases the risk to our children's' health that MUST be revisited. And yes, what's his name could be a quack... But, Christopher Columbus, Louis Pasteur, etc. etc. to name a few where persecuted & perceived a quacks for their beliefs.
Please check out the video about Claudia on http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/408214 This video is about 4 mins., But so worth watching. Next month sometime there is a movie on Lifetime about Autism as well. Subject: Autism Speaks Fundraiser-Please read The band, Five for Fighting, is generously donating $0.40 to Autism Speaks for *each time* the video is viewed . When you have a moment, please visit the link below to watch the video and pass it along to your friends and family. They are aiming for 10,000 hits, but hopefully we can help them to surpass this goal. Link to the site http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/408214 It was beautifully produced, accurate and eduacational. Please spread the word. Debra Donatto Halyn's Mom
Posted By : Halynsmom on 29th Jan 2008
Hi, I am new here and we are relocating to Holland, MI. I have a 7 year old boy diagnosed with PDD-NOS and high functioning. He is in first grade and mainstreamed with a resource teacher who meets with him several times a week. Our public school system here (Carmel, IN) has been wonderful. Does anyone have any information or experiences with the West Ottawa Public school district or the Zeeland district in Michigan?? I would love your input. Thanks! Christine
In my hallway this morning lies a pink baby blanket that has been around our home for almost five years now. On top lies a Disney, pink princess horse and two small horse figures from a birthday party yesterday. They are left there because their small owner was toted off to school today amidst kicks and screams and cries of "I'm too scared, I want to stay home with Mommy." It is hard to pass by and not remember the events that left them there and mommy knowing all the while that if her daughter was typical she would be more than welcome to stay at home. It seems harshly strange to send a child who is sick and challenged to school earlier than a typical child, but we have witnessed that it is often their only chance to somehow come out on top of this thing called Autism. So for all you mothers that have lovingly sent your child away and for all the tears you have shed, and for those of you who are yet to come this way. I am saying a prayer for you today.
Calling on everyone, go to the following site www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com and view the video. Money will be donated to Autism Speaks for each time the video is viewed. Make sure you have your tissue box and all the little ones are in bed before you view. Although inspiring the videos will tug at your heart. Hope you all take a minute to check it out. Stephanie
I wanted to say a little more about podcasts.
It was through a podcast that I learned about Foggy Rock. I was just a few minutes into the program and stopped it, went to my computer and registered my site.
To listen to a podcast you don’t need an Ipod, just a computer with a speaker.
1) Download and install the I tunes software.
2) Go to the I tunes store; (most podcasts are free).
3) Type autism in the search bar at the upper right and you will be given a list of pod casts and audio files about the subject.
4) You can then ‘subscribe’ to the podcast and download one, or all, of the available files.
My two favorite podcasts are:
1) Autism podcast by Michael Boll. There are 63 episodes so far. Number 62 is about foggy rock. Michael is the father of an 8 year old son who has autism and he hosts discussions from people with experiences with autism; from doctors to entrepreneurs to parents and family members. They are usually short; about 15 minutes long.
2) The next is Autism Insights by Laura Corby. She has an organization to help families of autism at no cost. She is articulate, intelligent and motivating. She is an advocate and her recent episode, added today, is wonderfully insightful about being an advocate for your own child. Her podcast are usually an hour and very absorbing.
Good luck podding
I just read a blog about I tunes and wanted to share an experience that I had at that site.
You can listen to pod casts from classes at major universities across the country. I am currently listening to psychology 160: Social Psychology at UC Berkley. I recently listened to lecture 19 from the 2007 spring term. It is about congitive dissonance (sp), which seems to imply that people tend to adhear to behavior, not for which we are rewarded, but for which we suffer.
I have noticed this in my son. 3 1/2 Desmond. As soon as he identifies something we dont want him to have, all of his efforts are then directed at that item.
I am building my personal theories about cogitive dissonance as I go along with my son.
Unfortunately, lectures 20 and 21 are not available for more info. (They have just added this semester to hte pod cast, but of course, the lecture will only be posted after it happens.
Any one else with input about rewards based behavior modification, or cognative dissonance, would be appreciated.
To access these lectures, you do not have to have an Ipod. YOu can listen direct from your computer. Download the I-tunes software from applestore.com and install it.
Open it, got to 'podcasts', select I tunes U, on the left side of page. Select UC Berkley, Humanities, and psych 160 (2007).
There is an incredible amount of knowledge just floating around in hyperspace...
As Jackson was getting ready for bed last night I went to his bedroom door to ask him a question. I obviously surprised him as he jumped and quickly stuck something in his pajama bottoms. In his hand he was holding a pair of scissors... My mind immediately went to the worse cased scenario, especially in this age of easy access to all things immoral. It didn't help my suspicions that he was completely mortified that I had caught him with whatever he'd been doing. No matter how I prompted, kindly and thoughtfully I might add, he wouldn't give up his secret. So I went downstairs. A few minutes later, he came down and went to the trash can to stuff in whatever he'd been hiding. His Dad walked in behind him, completely oblivious to what had happened upstairs. So, of course, he wants to know what he's hiding! By this point Jackson is completely devastated that both his parents have caught him hiding his stuff. He begs us to stop "interrogating" him and goes to bed. I, being the good mother that I am, go into the trash can to fish out the contraband. What I discovered broke my heart... It was a note from his beloved 5th grade crush, Betsy -- to another boy. He had somehow got his hands on this at school and confiscated it so the other boy wouldn't see. Before he destroyed the evidence he needed to cut one thing out for himself...Betsy's phone number. Innocence lost? Not for my 11 year old son -- he's just lost in love!
All - I wanted to put you in touch with a family friend who is an attorney processing people who feel that their children where thrust into the world of ASD as a result of unsafe vaccines (Thirmisol & MMR). You can read about it here: http://www.uscfc.uscourts.gov/ It is a $250 filing fee with the federal court. Your check goes directly to the court system. I am sure you may find a lawyer in your local area that can get you filed. If not, this is a guy that my family has known for years from my home town. There is no guarantee that a settlement will produce anything meaningful for our children. But, I feel it is worth a try at least for the exposure of rethinking our vaccine program. Eric Koch 520 North Walnut PO Box 1030 Bloomington, IN 47401-1030 812-337-3120 http://www.thekochlawfirm.com
What is it about kids on the autism spectrum that makes them such good spellers?! Three years ago I told everyone that Jackson would be in the middle school spelling bee in 5th grade. Today was the day... In order to become one of the 57 finalists, EVERY child in the school (5th thru 8th grades) had to complete the same written test. Then I understand there was a verbal, in-class elimination. Jackson was one of only eight fifth grade finalists. I was really excited for him, not only because he was a finalist, but because he was very nervous. He responded like a typical kid in being nervous, not a child on the spectrum! For this, I was excited! Just before it began, he ran down to me for one final pep talk. Frankly, from years of experience with his sensory issues, the one thing I could really do for him was gently stroke his arm. As I did, he looked hard into my eyes for reassurance. I truly felt this was the only place I wanted to be, with him, at that moment! He was in the third row. I soon realized the significance of the third row. The words got progressively harder as they went, meaning his placement was determined by how well he did in the written test. He was sitting between two eighth grade boys! His word - CAMPAIGN. He was supposed to start by repeating the word, spelling the word and repeating again. He spelled it just fine and walked away. He had to be called back to repeat the word to signify he was finished. First round done... Second round - SINCERELY. He took his time...S-I-N-C-E-R-L-Y. He missed the second "e". Good God - I would miss the second "e"! When he finished there were only two fifth graders left in the competition! As a side note - there were very obviously two other boys, more significantly on the spectrum than Jackson, that were still in the running when he left. My heart was with both of them. I cannot...CANNOT EVER relay how immensely honored I was to be Jackson's mother this morning. Jackson reminded me I'm more than SportsMum - I'm also his very proud SpellingBeeMum!
My computer won't allow me to reply to anyones blogs so, I just wanted to say to Dana RE: the bus ride. My son is the same way and I am in a position to drive him to school are you? Do check into an aide for him on the bus. In some spare time (if you have any) just visit the buses. I am too worried about the car seat. It makes me wonder how the states laws require seat belts but when it comes to our "babies" on the buses they don't make it mandatory to have them on the buses. Good luck and keep us posted Stephn
Silas Started his special preschool this moth, and getting him on the bus is pure torture every time....the first day i got on the bus to and the bus driver reached her arm out to take him and that was that...full out war...so she gave him back to me and i tried to get him in his seat, and he thrashed so hard he flew onto the floor and tried to crawl under the seat, it took BOTH of us to get him in....then he went again on monday and it was the same scene except this time he started crying when he SAW the bus coming up the road, and if i saw Silas are you going to go to school today..he say no..LOL..any ideas will be a great help!!!!..he is 3.....
We had a home visit the other day from the school guidance counselor to discuss our plan of action to get Evan into K. It went really well other than Evan decided to put on his Buzz Lightyear costume, oh I'm sorry his uniform! He is so slick. When ever he puts a "uniform" on he thinks no one will see him. So that was his way of saying "I don't want to meet the lady from the school." But anyway he will receive a one on one aide. They want to establish a relationship with him prior to implimenting an IEP. We will gradually work him up to a 1/2 day of afternoon K. I feel really good with the outcome. I am also very scared to see my baby head off with out me.
Hey, I would like to see more dads on this site. I noticed it is gender heavy :). So, if you know of an ASD dad get him on board. Happy New Year, Kevin
Just wanted to let the people know that there are some free podcasts on itunes. Good to listen to when on the road or doing stuff around the house...
This will be my 5th year in the world of autism and I am amazed how each kid is developing in very unique ways. There seems to be no standard for what to expect. Every day comes with new challenges and miracles. One of Halyn's friends who has been in our play group for the past 4 years seems to have grown worse over the years. He still runs around in his own world with no acknowledgement of the outside world. Last play group, he spent the whole day pouring liquid soap down the sink and spilling cans of soda on the floor. I just don't understand why he has not come out a bit more. I see so many other of his peers who are talking, playing with others and growing into nearly typical boys. What is the answer? Does anyone know? Someone just told me that they believe our kids are born with the ability to survive and excell the coming changes (they think that 2012 will be a significant event). Who knows. All I know is that my son will NOT wear his school sneakers when there is no school, and will NOT eat pizza if the end is not a perfect point. I also know when he practices kissing me with his lips and looks into my eyes with that grin, I have a precious memory very few parents can ever understand.
A friend of the family (lawyer) informed us that their is currently a lawsuit regarding MMR & thirmesol (sp). I have the paperwork to retain him. Have you all heard of it; know anything about it; have opinions? He said that it is a $150 filing fee with the federal court & that is it. If, I can find the website to the case I will post it for you all. Please express your opinions both negative & positive are welcome. I have NEVER been a person that is a proponent of suing. I am not counting on any big winfall or anything. Or even optimistic really it is all about the future of kids & anything that can help Liv. But, I would pee on a spark plug if I thought it would cause our society to reconsider the impact of massive vaccinations.
Posted By : KevinLivsDad on 02nd Jan 2008
